Emotional violence

How often do we inflict emotional violence on each other without realising it? A cutting remark. A careless comment. Another curt response. It may not stem from the design to hurt, but each chips away at the receiver when it’s directed with intent. Something is taken away from them, unwillingly. Bit by bit, little acts of cruelty, sculpting a valley of hollow. Empathy led astray without mindfulness, gouging self-esteem in its rage.